The Ultimate Utility Vehicle —
I like just about everything about this car. Too bad they don't make them anymore, upgraded to AWD after I got a boat and had to buy a used one. Well-built and thought out like you'd except from Honda, with the back seats flipped up or popped out there's nothing I couldn't fit in this little guy.

Sweet! —
Loved it in snow and ice. Great reliability. Great dog car! Perfect for hauling lots of "stuff"
It will be tough to let go :-( so sorry they are no longer making them. You are going to love this Element. It was my 4th Honda

I've had many cars and been happy with most, but this car is the car of my life. For background: I purchased a 2003 EX AWD Element in 2014, so it was over a decade old, it had some wear and tear and was definitely not a new vehicle. I paid cash for it and planned to use and abuse it on trips to the greenhouse, home improvement store, etc. I wanted something with all wheel drive for the winters and something that had a ton of storage and that I wouldn't feel terrible if I scratched or dinged up.
I found this Element about 4 hours away and scooted off to get it.
After the first week at home, I realized how very much in love I am with this car. It's my main ride now. At 10 years old, it runs and drives like a brand new vehicle and, although it has 160K on it, you'd never be able to tell that this Element was more than a year old. It's a blast to drive, it handles so perfectly and the interior space is really unmatched. Although the gas mileage is lame, I drive this everywhere. My little boy is obsessed with the moon roof that's directly over this seat and I've fit a TON of stuff in this baby, with the removable and fold-away seats. I love the rubber mats - I don't feel terrible throwing in bags of pea gravel into the back. I love the rear doors - being able to just open the window to throw in groceries, or having a tail gate to sit on to watch fireworks. I love opening all of the doors and the tailgate and laying in it when we're out in the country. It's like having a gazebo with a radio built in, especially since the front and rear sets form a queen size bed when down.
Overall, I could not be happier with my Element. In fact, my partner and I will probably buy a second (2011) Element next year, just to have the last version they made (and hopefully find one with super low miles. We are sold. These cars are fantastic.

Don't Knock It Until You Try It. —
The amount of room inside is amazing. My 6'9" friend sat behind my seat, I'm 6'2", and had plenty of space. With the back seats out I've fit a washer and dryer in one trip. You can configure the seats in many different ways for traveling or camping. My mechanic has a contract with a company that uses these and some of the 2003's have over 500,000 miles and still going. Would be a great family car if you only have 4 people. I originally bought it for work and figured I would get rid of it after I left that field but I have decided to keep it and drive it into the ground.

Primary Use: Utility (towing boats, transporting cargo, etc.)

Pros:
Space, maintenance costs, heavy Chicago blizzard driving,

Cons:
I still can't get over how ugly the box shape is but I'm slowly getting past it.

We Like The Toaster And Want A 2nd One! —
I was reluctant to buy this in 2003 but Kim really wanted it. Now, I'm such a fan of the toaster we are seeking a 2nd one. This thing has 156K miles on it and has been incredibly reliable. Only Honda's ready-to-warp rotors are a pain. We switched to drilled and slotted ones and are happy. The driver's seat cushion wears out too quickly and that's a problem on many older E's. We have had tremendous luck with this little SUV under all driving conditions. It always makes it up the steep driveway in winter under conditions that leave the Civic at the bottom until I run the snowblower. We have enough room in the back to sleep side-by-side on a full size air mattress. Great vehicle. Honda should never have ended it's life.

Primary Use: Family transportation

Pros:
Great in snow, carries everything we need, super for car camping

Honda Element - Capable, Reliable, Useful And Low Cost —
I have had the vehicle since new. As of 3/2013 it has 225k miles and going strong. It did suffer from issues common to the Element such as cracked factory windshield, driver door component issues(handle, lock, window parts). Other than that it has put up with wear and tear better than I expected. The cost of ownership has been very reasonable.
I would recommend the Honda Element to anyone that has to tote around people, pets and family cargo.

I Saw, I Bought, I Drive Happily —
I would buy another one!!!!! Life has changed so I need a car now. I plan to buy another one when l can. It is hard to describe how this vehicle is so good for ALL types of lifestyles, but that sums it up.

Pros:
I can pack a lot of stuff for transport! Drumset, husband, and baby at the same time!!!

Honda Element —
Performance
(-) No Pickup on acceleration
(+) Very good handling and braking
(+) 4 wheel drive was especially good in the freak winters
Build Quality
(+) Good Quality
Appearance
(-) Looks interior and exterior are purely utilitarian
Cost of Ownership
(+) Maintenence is easy no problems with the car
(-) gas cost for a 4WD is more costly
(+) takes regular gas
Fun Factor
This car has actually been fun to drive, extremely utilitarian, and helped out a
lot during moving and helping people move.

Primary Use: Family transportation

Pros:
It is an Element

Cons:
The acceleration is really bad - there is no power for the size of car it is. 4cyl DOHC is good for a civic but not for this SUV.

Fun Car, Well Designed —
Functional, unique design, comfortable, can haul alot of crap. The performance is slightly sluggish. The wind noise is less to be desired. The cost of ownership is very low. The gas milage is OK. Overall I like the car for sure.

My Element —
My car runs awesome, it is cute and it is super roomy. The back seats can be folded up and latched onto the side or they can be completely removed, that is Awesome! And...It has a tailgate in the back!
Negatives: This year model does not have an armrest on the passenger side, it only has 4 seats (which is usually more than enough), the floors are rubber and must be scrubbed to be cleaned and I now have high mileage!!! Ready for a new one!
Other than that, we love it and it is super fun to drive. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone.

Reviews From Other Years

GreatBy GBNina

If she wasn't shaped like a box and had better gas mileage, she would be perfect. Used her at the beach, with her tent. Navigation and Sirius XM radio is great. Dog package and privacy screens come...
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Should Work Good For Rural Mail Delivery & Highway.By Kathy566

Just drove my suv home. Handles well, quiet, well built, & fun! Radio has good sound. Versatile seats allow for cargo. Tailgate will allow long items to hang out like a pick-up truck.
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Love This Car And Will Never Get Rid Of It!By chrlewis75

Very versitle and can do everything that I need with it. Lots of room on the inside and easy to clean because there are no carpets. Perfect for those who have pets. Rear seats can be removed and yo...
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ElementBy Zach

i love that it was standard. the quality was awesome. the performance was speechless and the car was over all great. the cost of the owner ship was $200. this car was fun to drive this car is AWE...
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Highly RecommendBy Interoute

I liked the fact it is easy to clean, it does not have carpet so you can pick up or even take out back seats and drive your dog, equipment..etc with you. very convenient feature. Has great visibility,...
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Space, Utility, And Simplicity.By austin

We love that this car is all about practical space. Some folks don't like the boxy styling, but that's what gives it so much functionality and storage. I fit an oversized front-loader washer and dryer...
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Our 2nd Element...says A Lot.By Dave

This is our 2nd Element...love the toaster. Roomy. Great for hauling stuff including your bike that fits standing up inside. Great for car camping as you can get a full size air mattress back there.
...
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Rootbeer Metallic By density2013

Great for the road, 4cyl I-Vtec, 07 model unique in its class. The first SC to be produced. It should have been called a Limited. Cargo space, space and more space! Rear seats are removable like most ...
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It's A Way Back Machine.By Wayne

Having been the owner of many vans, this is now the replacement. In addition to coolness, it is a remarkable, car/truck/van that needs little maintenance. Quite roomy and the resale prices hold steady...
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Awesome Car With Endless Versatility.By jsorensen12

As I mentioned in the pros/cons section, I loved my Element! But had to part with it because of my growing family. It's a do-all vehicle with rock solid reliability. The back seats easily fold up t...
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